First I would like to note that some of the reviews you read here are absolutely terrifying. I didn't know what to expect when we got there but very soon after arrival, all worries were put to rest.

I CAN NOT WAIT TO GO BACK!!!!

My boyfriend and I went away for the sole reason to relax so I can not comment on any of the excursions. What I can comment about is that the grounds, people, weather and food are excellent. The only problems we encountered was that we ate way too much, and relaxed so much that we were a tad lazy when we got back to Halifax, only wishing we were back on the chair beside the pool. The biggest decision we had to make was "what time should we go eat".

I can only make comments, like I said, on the surface. If you are looking for a clean, relaxing enviroment with beautiful scenery, beautiful weather and good food, this is your resort.

Hope this helps at least one person!!! Happy travelling!!!

Stayed at this resort from April 30th until May 7th. I can't emphasize how clean this resort was. Absolutely spotless! The employees take great pride in the resort and work very hard. The Mambo was quite quiet as compared with the other two, but that was very nice. Never many lines for food or drink, which were both very good. We ate at the a la cartes three times, and found that the food wasn't as good as the buffet. The beef in the DR is not great, but we found everything else to be very tasty. Lots of choice.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay there except for two days. There was a Dominican holiday in the middle of our stay, and locals invaded the resort. I thought it was great that they could stay and enjoy the resort, but that attitude changed. They were very rowdy,messy and totally took over the pool area and the restaurants. The staff were not happy- they caused them MUCH more work than the regular clientele. They threw their empty drink cups all over the ground as well as other garbage. I could only imagine what the maids had to clean in their rooms. As soon as Monday came,and they left, you could almost feel the sigh of relief that the employees felt.

Other than this little hiccup, we had a wonderful stay and would return in a heartbeat. The animation team never seemed to go home. They worked very hard and did their best to entertain,although in that heat, I don't know where so many people got the energy to play volleyball and all of the other games they organized.

All in all I can't say enough good about this resort. Everything was just about as perfect as you could get.

It's been a month today that I was at the RIU Mambo Resort (April 9th - April 17th 2008) I miss it. I'm always looking at my watch wondering what's happening at the resort. It was a wonderful time. It's great having all three resorts together. You can go and enjoy entertainment and various meals at all three resorts. Nice place to go for a safe walk/jog early in the morning and the grounds are beautiful.
Met a lot of people from Germany, Autria, Austrailia, Denmark, Holland, England, the US and Canada. This is such a wonderful spot...the guest that I spoke with inspirered me to go back again. Plus you get a RIU card to use on other trips. Many of the guest have been back several times. One couple from Holland were there 7 times in the last two years. Another couple from England 6 times, another couple from Newfoundland...I believe he said 9 times. And many 2 and 3 times etc.
I think this would be a great place for a club to be organized...I belong to Rotary and it would be very nice to help out the people that work at the resort. Giving back for what we receive while we are there. This could be done. If you agree please don't hesitate to conatact me at cricket25366@hotmail.com. I would love to here from you and here from the people I met while I was there and there thoughts on this idea.
I traveled by myself to this resort and felt very safe. Many friends from home that I've chatted with plan to go as well. My friends who have been to the Dominican many times have already plan their vacation for next Spring.
The employees are terrific. I arrived 9:30 am, their time and did have a bit of a wait for my room. That was ok, I made sure my shorts were handy. The room was a ground level room and I asked for a second level room and the next day they found me one. It was much more comfortable being there on my own. I met so many people It wasn't like I was there on my own.
My favorite people that worked at the resort that I got to look forward to seeing every day were Sr. Diaz, Lisandro, Tito, Snapy, Judit, Don King, Chicken Legs, Wilton, Rosemarie and many others. The staff at the dining hall were terrific as well and many other's that I met. A very special thank you to Pedro, Bar Supervisor...who is a wonderful, friendly person and one I now consier a friend.
The cleanlyness is second to none. I was very impressed that they offered sanitary cream at all the restaurants and washrooms. It made you feel that the owners were on the ball with keeping a healthy establishment.
There is shoppng right there as well. A full street between two of the resorts..this was another great bonus. Oh and another thing...there wasn't anyone trying to sell you stuff on the beach. It was peaceful and very enjoyable.
I hope to get back to the resort in the Fall or just before Christmas. I'm back in Nova Scotia Canada and it's a wet drizzly day and I wish I was back there for another week. Thats the other thing go for two weeks...one is just not long enough.

Glad I picked RIU Mambo Resorts.

Debra (Deb)

just a few handy tips which will help you choose the mambo out of the 3 hotels which you use .
to start with- the hotel is so clean! everytime you come out of the toilet or going into food area you have a disinfectant for your hands which is fantastic -you get alot of outbreaks normally in areas like these. this hotel is great for the disabled.easy to get arounf and even on excursions i want to point out that they try really hard to get everyone involved- we wetn on the catermeran trip and the staff were fab in regards to getting the disabled involved and taking them snorkelling like everyone else,great entertainers all day long and great if you were poorly-sea sick on the way like me!! hahaha
hotel staff are working 24/7 you dont need to get involved in entertainment if you dont want,you dont need to tip but obviously it is appreciated.hotel has a mix of people which is good,.booked by americans/british/french/canadian and germans that i know of.
Not enough a la carte meals i dont think. but you can use buffets resteraunts in all 3 hotels for brekkie and lunch just dinner at you own hotel.
get a free safety deposit box - i recommend you put all belongings of sentimental or expense value in there.
go to batchata hotel at night if you want international drinks- they have some ie martini- the actaul named stuff.which you dont often get. take mosquito spray if you tend to get bitten and plenty of suncream!we used a bottle in 2 - 3 days between 2 of us and its expensive at hotel.there is a doctor on site if that is a concern for you.mini bar filled very 2 days and optix in the room.
entertainment at night varied aswell which was good.catermeran trip through thomas cook reps was approx 79 us dollars each/quad biking 80 dollars each ocean world varies.can watch the footie in an english pub not far from hotel or on a fuzzy screen in room. but each of the hotels and shops price things up in pesos- at this hotel you get more for your money in pesos.but sum dollars are handy.well i hope this helps with a few questions!!any other help you need just ask!